Leonuri Herba
Aliases：Yi Mu Hao、Kun Cao、Chong Wei
Yimucao (Leonuri Herba), a Chinese medicinal, is a blood‑activating and menstruation‑regulating herb. It is the fresh or dried aerial part of Leonurus japonicus Houtt., a plant of the Lamiaceae family (genus Leonurus).
Efficacy & Actions
It has the actions of activating blood to regulate menstruation, promoting diuresis to reduce edema, and clearing heat to resolve toxin.
Indications
Used for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, persistent lochia (retained lochia), edema with scanty urine, and carbuncles and sores with toxic swelling.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has pharmacological effects such as improving blood rheology, improving microcirculation, anti‑myocardial ischemia, anti‑cerebral ischemia, regulating uterine function, and promoting diuresis, among others.
Ingredients
It contains leonurine, stachydrine, linolenic acid, β‑linolenic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, benzoic acid, rutin, fumaric acid, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Usual dosage: 9–30 g of dried herb; 12–40 g of fresh herb. Common forms: Decoction, extract (ointment), or pills/powders.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: Contraindicated. Its blood‑activating effect may stimulate the uterus and cause miscarriage. Those with excessive menstrual flow: May further increase bleeding. Allergic individuals: Some people may be allergic to its components. Precautions: Not suitable for those with scanty, pale, and thin menstrual flow due to qi and blood deficiency. During the course of medication, avoid raw, cold, and spicy foods.
Selected Formulas
1. For persistent bleeding after miscarriage (Sheng Ji Zong Lu) Take 150 g each of the roots and leaves of Xiaoji (Cirsium setosum) and motherwort. Add two large bowls of water, decoct until one bowl remains, then reduce further to one small cup. Divide into two doses and take within one day. 2. For postpartum collapse (fainting) with failing heart qi (Zi Mi Mi Lu) Crush motherwort to extract the juice. Take one small cup each time. The effect is excellent. 3. For retained lochia (postpartum blood stasis not discharging) (Sheng Hui Fang) Take one small cup of motherwort juice, mix with one ge (approx. 20 mL) of yellow wine, warm, and take.
Daily Consumption
1. Motherwort Boiled Eggs Ingredients: 30 g Yimucao (Motherwort herb), 2 eggs. Preparation: Cook the herb and eggs together in water. When the eggs are done, remove the shells, then put them back into the decoction and simmer briefly. Drink the soup and eat the eggs. Action: Enriches blood and regulates menstruation. Suitable for dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. 2. Motherwort and Black Bean Soup Ingredients: 30 g Yimucao, 50 g black beans, 3 eggs, 3–5 red dates. Preparation: Cook all ingredients together. Once the eggs are cooked, remove the shells, return them to the pot, and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Action: Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, and tonifies the liver and kidney. 3. Motherwort and Old Hen Soup Ingredients: 60 g Yimucao, 600 g old hen, an appropriate amount of goji berries. Preparation: Place all ingredients in a pot, add water, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2 hours. Season to taste. Action: Tonifies deficiency, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and promotes regeneration. Especially suitable for postpartum women to help restore their health.
Medicinal Parts
resh or dried aerial part
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated place to prevent mold.